System and method for non-invasively determining an indication and/or an assessment of intracranial pressure
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11992302-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-28
Expiration Date
2040-12-31
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A system for non-invasively determining an indication and/or an assessment of intracranial pressure (ICP) is featured. The system includes at least one intracranial light source adapted to be placed on skin above a cranium of a living subject configured to emit light which penetrates the cranium and targets intracranial space of a living subject. The system includes a least one extracranial light source adapted to be placed on skin above a predetermined area of the living subject configured to emit light which penetrates and targets extracranial space of the living subject. A detector subsystem including at least a first detector is configured to detect reflected light from the intracranial space and the extracranial space and is configured to output intracranial output signals associated with light detected from the intracranial space and/or output extracranial output signals associated with light detected from the extracranial space. A processing subsystem is coupled to the at least one intracranial light source, the at least one extracranial light source, and the detector subsystem. The processing subsystem is configured to determine intracranial oxygen saturation and extracranial oxygen saturation and non-invasively determine an indication and/or an assessment of ICP using a ratio of the intracranial oxygen saturation to the extracranial oxygen saturation.
Core Innovation
The invention features a system and method for non-invasively determining an indication and/or assessment of intracranial pressure (ICP) using optical sensing techniques. The system includes at least one intracranial light source placed on the skin above the cranium configured to emit light that penetrates the cranium and targets the intracranial space, and at least one extracranial light source placed on the skin above a predetermined area configured to emit light that targets the extracranial space. A detector subsystem detects reflected light from both intracranial and extracranial spaces, outputting signals corresponding to these regions. A processing subsystem receives the detected signals and determines intracranial and extracranial oxygen saturation values, using a ratio of these saturations to non-invasively determine an indication or assessment of ICP.
The problem addressed by the invention arises from the clinical challenge in detecting elevated ICP non-invasively and reliably. Elevated ICP following traumatic brain injury may lead to severe outcomes such as brain cell death or permanent brain injury, yet many individuals with brain trauma may exhibit mild symptoms and remain undiagnosed. Existing non-invasive techniques lack robustness and reliability in assessing ICP by simultaneously measuring intracranial and extracranial oxygen saturations. Therefore, the invention provides a method to improve early detection and assessment of elevated ICP to facilitate timely medical care.
Claims Coverage
The patent presents two independent claims covering a system and a method for non-invasively determining an indication and/or assessment of intracranial pressure (ICP) using intracranial and extracranial oxygen saturation measurements.
System for non-invasive ICP assessment using intracranial and extracranial oxygen saturation ratio
A system comprising at least one first light-based sensor and measuring apparatus that determines intracranial or cerebral oxygen saturation from reflected light detected from the intracranial space of a living subject; at least one second light-based sensor and measuring apparatus that determines extracranial or extracerebral oxygen saturation from reflected light detected from the extracranial space; and a processing subsystem coupled to these sensors and apparatus, configured to determine an indication and/or assessment of ICP using a ratio of the intracranial oxygen saturation to the extracranial oxygen saturation.
Method for non-invasive ICP assessment using intracranial and extracranial oxygen saturation ratio
A method comprising determining intracranial or cerebral oxygen saturation from reflected light detected from the intracranial space of a living subject; determining extracranial or extracerebral oxygen saturation from reflected light detected from the extracranial space; and determining an indication and/or assessment of ICP using a ratio of intracranial oxygen saturation to extracranial oxygen saturation.
These inventive features center on measuring oxygen saturations from intracranial and extracranial spaces using optical sensors and computing a ratio to non-invasively determine an indication or assessment of intracranial pressure, providing novel system and method claims for ICP evaluation.
Stated Advantages
Provides an accurate, effective, and timely indication and/or assessment of ICP to enable prompt medical care for brain trauma patients.
Offers a compact, inexpensive, robust, and power-efficient alternative to conventional invasive ICP monitoring systems.
Documented Applications
Non-invasive monitoring and early detection of elevated intracranial pressure in patients who have experienced brain trauma or injury.
Interested in licensing this patent?